Saturday, February 13, 2016

An Oakland, California winery making elegant wines from varietals that aren’t necessarily known for being vinified that way. The friendly tasting room folks know what they’re selling and care. Check ’em out.

Sunday, January 31, 2016

For some reason, it took me years to figure out I like a Bloody Maria about ten times better than the vodka version. I can’t imagine why it didn’t occur to me sooner. Tequila naturally pairs with vegetables, and I’m a big fan of savory notes in beverages.

Bloody Maria Mix

32 oz tomato juice

juice of 1 lime

1 Tbs cacao

1 tsp ground cayenne

1 tsp ground chipotle

1 tsp sweet paprika

1/2 tsp ground true cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 clove garlic, crushed

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients with a little of the tomato juice at a time until smooth enough to stir with the remaining liquid. Add lime and garlic. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.ROWEN, FOGGED IN LOUNGE

My preferred tomato juice, Knudsen, has some lemon in it to begin with, so you may want to add more lime for snap. For the cacao, it’s worth finding the dark, smoky, complex Valrhona. And I’m thinking a half teaspoon of cloves wouldn’t hurt a thing.

Reposado tequila is nice with this. But it’s a grownup drink on its own without the spirits, so if you have a Virgin Maria in your party, she won’t feel left out.